After a year away with the Houston Texans, Jalen Reeves-Maybin re-signed with the Detroit Lions last offseason. He followed with the best season of his career, earning a Pro Bowl selection for his work on special teams that included two successful fake punts (one as the runner and one where he was the passer).
Reeves-Maybin also played well in the small sample of defensive snaps he was called on to play last season. At the NFL Combine this week, Lions' head coach Dan Campbell called Reeves-Maybin a core player.
"He was one of those guys that he was a core player for us and, and he's the best special teams player in the league and to be able to get him back again....There's things he can do on defense, plays in dime, helps on third down, can rush, can cover. But to be able to get him re-signed was huge. He's a vital part of what we do. He is part of the foundation in my opinion."
The night before Campbell spoke in Indianapolis, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the Lions had signed Reeves-Maybin to a two-year contract extension. The deal, per Garafolo, was worth $7.5 million (up to $8 million), made Reeves-Maybin the highest paid core special teamer ever.
Garafolo further reported Reeves-Maybin's contract including a $2.5 million signing bonus and $5.245 million guaranteed.
Jalen-Reeves Maybin contract details
More often than not, there's more than meets the surface eye with an NFL contract. Reporters are given base details, years and full total money, with little or no further context.
Via Over The Cap, here's the breakdown of Reeves-Maybin's new deal.
2024:
Base Salary: $1.245 million
Prorated Signing Bonus: $1.25 million
Roster Bonus: $500,000
Guaranteed Salary: $1.745 million
Per Game Roster Bonus: $255,000
Dead Money (if cut): $5.245 million)
Cap Number: $3.25 million
2025:
Base Salary: $2.745 million
Prorated Signing Bonus: $1.25 million
Guaranteed Salary: $1 million
Per Game Roster Bonus: $255,000
Dead Money: $2.25 million (if a pre-June 1 cut)
Cap Number: $4.25 million
With the $2.5 million signing bonus and the $2.745 million in other guaranteed money (salaries and $500,000 roster bonus for this year), we arrive at the $5.245 million in total guarantees Garafolo reported.
Here is the salary cap breakdown of Jalen Reeves-Maybin's, two year, $7.5M contract with the #Lions. Strongest contract I can recall for someone who is primarily a special teams player.https://t.co/0MxvcqNR5X
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 29, 2024
The Lions like to retain heir own when it fits. Reeves-Maybin has been rewarded for his performance last season, and his new contract is also a reflection of how the team values him overall.